Reduce stress – get outdoors!

Stress has a huge impact on our health and lives. We stress about work, school, family gatherings and new or old relationships. As we enter into autumn there is a plethora of activities that we can still enjoy before winter sets in. Here are three great and simple ones to consider.

Hiking

Depending on where you live, hiking might be a great option to help get out outdoors and reduce your stress levels.

Even if you don’t have hiking trails in your area, just taking a walk through a local park can help lower your stress levels. A study in the U.K. found that walking through parks or other natural locations has the same effect on your brain as a form of meditation, which has also been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health.

Biking

Biking is a great low-impact exercise that gets you outside. It can also be a great way to improve your physical health while getting some cardio in, too. Research has found that exercise, especially cardio exercise, can help reduce stress. And one poll found that around 14 percent of individuals use exercise specifically to deal with stress. Biking can also be a fantastic way to explore your city from a new perspective.

Dog Walking

Spending time with a dog can be a great way to both reduce your stress and improve your overall health. Studies have found that pet owners enjoy reduced stress, higher levels of oxytocin (the feel-good chemical) and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Even if you don’t have your own dog, there are most likely shelters in your area that are looking for volunteer dog walkers to help their animals exercise and socialise while they’re waiting for their forever homes.